Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/22 for details.
Options

Mazda MPV: Problems & Solutions

1…3334363839…86

Comments

  • ftlftl Member Posts: 11
    Sorry, yes it is new and yes it is a 2001. I still have the rental. They said something about putting in a coil pack(?) I don't know what that is.
  • prlamzprlamz Member Posts: 78
    Many thanks to all. We won't worry about it anymore. Here in California, 20 years ago, there was a sign on highway 40 between Barstow and needle that said "next gas 90 miles." Not a good read from behind the handlebar.
  • capt_canuckcapt_canuck Member Posts: 2
    Ive noticed a few posts regarding rotten egg smells coming from their exhausts. Im trying to find out if anyone has found a solution to this problem. I have a 2002 MPV DX with the conveneince pkg.

    Im finding this problem mostly happens when I have the ventilation on and when I come to stop the fumes come in the vehicle. Also when I park the vehicle and turn the engine off the smell is there.

    Any ideas? recommendations?
    Thanks
  • javadocjavadoc Member Posts: 1,167
    The easiest thing for you to do is switch fuel brands. Some brands will make certain cars smell, while others don't. If that doesn't work, you should try and document how to make the smell occur and then set up an appointment w/your dealer and walk them through it.

    luck,

    /javadoc
  • ftlftl Member Posts: 11
    The fold down seat is a life saver for us. We have two kids and two labradors. With the seat gone the dogs have enough room together and we have the middle seats for the kids. When the dogs stay at home we can seperate the kids!! HaHa!! I wouldn't think you could fit two adults and a car seat in the third row unless no one is going to breathe.
  • mazda_guymazda_guy Member Posts: 183
    capt_canuck, jacvadoc is correct and I used his advice because I had exactly the same problem. The smell was gone after first 600 miles. The first gas tank was pumped by a dealer and I don't know what they put in. Since then I used premium gas from Texaco and Chevron and the smell is gone. I always use premium even if they say I don't have to but you may have luck with regular.

    MB
  • mcadrechamcadrecha Member Posts: 46
    javadoc, thanks for the advice on the pulling and the TSBs.

    Also, is anyone getting poor mileage on their 2002's? Ours is pretty bad, only getting 15 and 21.

    I have tried both premium (91) and regular (87).
  • javadocjavadoc Member Posts: 1,167
    Give it time... your mileage will probably go up nicely after oh, 5k miles. At least that's my experience with the 2000 model.

    MB, you just blew my next theory. I was going to ask how many people that had the fragra'nce de egg were using premium fuel at the time. I was thinking that the high-octane juice might also contribute, but I guess not.

    /j
  • modeltmodelt Member Posts: 12
    Folks,
    In your new MPV, how long does it take for the popping and crackling noise from the engine to stop? Mine sounds like I am trying to cook some popcorn after I turn off the engine.

    The radiator cooling fans, I have 2 that came with the 4 seasons package. They don't spin at all even after 8 miles or so on the freeway. I called a local Mazda service dept and they said that it only suppose to spin when the engine is hot. Seems to me that it's easier to have it spin all the time to keep the engine cool and have less complex circuitry to control the fans. Does any body have fans that spin when the engine starts?
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    The only time the fans will spin is when the RADIATOR is hot, not the engine. It makes good sense to me that you save power when cruising down the highway with the fans off and the air flowing through the radiator.

    If you want to hear the fans, turn on your A/C. The condenser for the A/C is in front of the radiator and leaches air flow from those fans.
  • billmckinleybillmckinley Member Posts: 167
    Javadoc et al are right about changing brands--or even stations to get rid of the smell. It's pretty much hit or miss. I switched to Sunoco. At one station, the smell is gone; at another down the street, I get the smell mildly. The point is, though, it works if you can find the right brand/station.
    BTW, I've never used anything but 87 octane, so I don't think grade of fuel is an essential part of getting rid of the smell.

    RJ
  • danandkatdanandkat Member Posts: 67
    I would like to know if what I am experiencing is a problem, a feature(!), or just the way things work on my '01 LX.

    Let's just say, for sake of example, that I have my cruise control set at 72mph. Some traffic congestion develops and I tap the brake (disengaging the CC). My speed slows down to 60mph. Congestion clears up, so I use the CC's resume feature to take me back up to preset speed of 72mph. MPV picks up speed until within a mile or two per hour of preset speed, then downshifts for that last little bit, and then goes back into high gear once the preset speed is attained a couple of seconds after the downshift.

    It just seems to me that if a downshift was necessary, it should have done it much earlier on. Or if the MPV can get most of the way back up to the preset speed without a downshift, it should be able to get all the way back. But this is my first automatic with CC (I'm used to 5sp manual) so I don't have a lot of experience or know fully what to expect.

    Thoughts or comments appreciated. danandkat
  • alexv1nalexv1n Member Posts: 248
    That's the way it works, and as far as I could find out, not only on the MPV. Cruise Control is too strict at keeping the preset speed. When you resume CC while going slower (I'd say, more than 5 mph) than the preset speed, it slams the gas to get to that speed as quickly as possible. MPV is heavy and the engine isn't the most powerful, so it might be more noticeable on the MPV than on other cars/vans but it does downshift heavily (to 3rd or even to 2nd) to get up to speed, even if it means a difference of 10 mph.

    When you resume CC, it starts accelerating, after several seconds it downshifts. I guess it just happened in your case that it downshifted right before reaching the speed. If you were going uphill or resumed CC not at 60 mph but at, say, 40, then you would have noticed a big rev :-)

    Anyway, what you should do is bring the van to the preset speed manually (I mean, using your right foot :) and resume CC when you are within 3-5 mph of it... This works most of the time.

    I wonder how crazy 2002 MPV is with the new engine and transmission. Has anyone of happy '02 owners tried the cruise control yet?
  • mcadrechamcadrecha Member Posts: 46
    thanks again javadoc. I will post what happens to the mileage when I hit 5000m.

    But to really improve mileage, it would be great if Mazda would come up with a hybrid MPV. I can see the ad now: Zoom Zoom, Zoom, The body of a minivan, the soul of a sports car, and the morals of an environmentalist.

    MEC
  • danandkatdanandkat Member Posts: 67
    Thanks for the response. I guess that is just the way those things work. It just seemed strange that over such a wide range of circumstances, it would nearly always wait until almost reaching the preset before downshifting. Seems like kind of a waste, but I guess it is not hurting anything.

    I had figured out that I could avoid the downshift by coming back to the preset speed manually (using right foot), but, hey, that's too much work!! :<D

    danandkat
  • mjvchicagomjvchicago Member Posts: 149
    Hi all.

    I'm ready to purchase a 2002 MPV, but wanted to get some opinions from those who have opted for the power doors. I can get what I want from the LX version for about $4k or so less than if I got the EX with the power doors. So, the question is: Are the power doors worth it? I also wanted to know if the power doors can be disabled, or if the doors can be opened manually if the power motors fail. Also, does the warranty cover these motors? Ahy thoughts are greatly appreciated. Thanks!
  • mazda_guymazda_guy Member Posts: 183
    mjvchicago, I have power doors on ES 2002 and they are awesome. Yes, you can disable them and you can open them manually and also you can close and open them from the key remote. If money is not too tight get them.

    MB
  • billmckinleybillmckinley Member Posts: 167
    I don't have the power doors on mine, don't miss them, and wouldn't want them if they were free [rugged pioneer spirit here ;>]. On the other hand, if you like them enough to spend $4000 for them or if your situation demands them, go for it. But there would have to be other advantages attached to that $4k. I wouldn't spend it just to get power doors [and some stuff I didn't care about].

    FWIW
    :)

    RJ
  • mazda_guymazda_guy Member Posts: 183
    Bill, I am not picking on you :-) but you are incorrect that doors are $4,000. When you upgrade to ES you are getting 17" wheels, traction control, side airbags, remote antiteft system, engine immobilizer, leather upholstery, 8-way power driver seat, front and rear air conditioning ....

    MB
  • elise5elise5 Member Posts: 1
    MY MPV has 38000 miles and last week it wouldn't shift up. It was like driving a manual trans. stuck in 1st gear. Once I got home my husband did a test drive, and it was fine. It hasn't done it since then. The only other thing I've noticed is that shifting isn't always smooth, sometimes it feels like it's jerking, or slipping. Has anyone else had this problem? Any suggestions?
  • billmckinleybillmckinley Member Posts: 167
    Actually, I was just playing off mjvchicago's figure. I understand that all that stuff comes with the increased price tag. My point was that a lot of that stuff I already have on my LX and the rest comes under the heading of stuff I don't particularly care about. Thus, I would be paying an extra $4k esentially for power doors[ which also, ironicaly, come under the heading of stuff I don't much care about]. I'd have to want power doors powerful[!] bad to pay the difference.
    Have I now made myself clear as mud? ;)

    RJ
  • javadocjavadoc Member Posts: 1,167
    You should call your dealership pronto, you should still be under warranty. Have you changed the transmission fluid yet? It's a good idea to change atx fluid every two years, regardless of what the Owner's Manual states.

    I'm sure all the owners that frequent this forum would like to here about what's happening with this story, so please post back an update when you can.

    luck,

    /javadoc
  • evaddaveevaddave Member Posts: 156
    Something strange happened when I started the MPV the other day...
    I got in the van and just started it up. Normally I put my foot on the brake before starting, but this time I didn't. As the starter turned over, the van lurched forward. It was kinda like our old '79 Civic, which didn't have the clutch lock-out switch that kept the car from starting when it was in gear.

    When that happened, I put my foot on the brake and let go of the key. The second time I started it, it was fine. No lurching. ( YOU RANG?)

    Has anyone else experienced this? I'm guessing that for some reason, the tranny didn't actually make it into Park when my wife drove it last. It hasn't done it since, either.

    -dave
  • beachnutbeachnut Member Posts: 291
    Java's right about the keyless remotes. I always see them on Ebay, along with all those knock-off HID light bulbs - no alloy wheels yet, though 8^)

    Wish I could come up with a way to keep people outta SoFL!
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    I've noticed in ours that if the shift lever is half a notch off, the trans will do some funny things. I've never had that happen, but I have had what felt like a burnt out torque converter(car barely moves, but moves a little when accelerator is pressed). Of course, once I noticed and clicked it all the way into D, all was well.
  • javadocjavadoc Member Posts: 1,167
    Why would it roll forward from out of 'Park' though? The next cog over is 'R.' I can see this out of Neutral, but not out of Park. Interesting. However, it is electronic so maybe it's all in the contacts, eh?

    /j
  • pjd58pjd58 Member Posts: 366
    unless in park.....weird.

    Pjd58
  • javadocjavadoc Member Posts: 1,167
    It'll start in Neutral also. Or mine does. Hey, mine's defective... give me a new model, lol.

    /j
  • evaddaveevaddave Member Posts: 156
    More stuff:
    The tranny was fully in P.
    The van was pointed slightly downhill when I started it, but it lurched forward--it didn't just roll.

    I'm still guessing that my speedy-with-the-gearshift wife had the van shut off before the transmission was completely in Park. But how the van didn't roll down the driveway is beyond me.

    I'll guess that it was a software glitch (heck, I've written my share ) and hope it doesn't happen again.

    On a separate note...
    Now that it's getting warmer outside (it got all the way up to 92 F here in suburban Philly today), it's time to take the MPV back to the dealer and INSIST that they replace the tie rod ends. It's starting to sound like the whole front end is going to come apart.
  • mazda_guymazda_guy Member Posts: 183
    I'll guess that it was a software glitch (heck, I've written my share
    <grin>) and hope it doesn't happen again.

    If this is a software glitch I would always reboot it first :-))

    MB
  • mooreamoorea Member Posts: 1
    I've searched this board but haven't found this info. I realize the '02 engine is a Ford. But, is this engine built in the US and, what, exported to Japan (as I understand the MPV is assembled in Japan).

    We've had a Windstar since '94 and I have come to know a lot about Ford. I am completely disgusted with the "Ford" way. The Windstar can no longer be patched together to keep it moving. So here we go - new van time.

    Narrowed down the choices to Sienna, Ody, MPV. They squeeze you on the price for the Ody - AND - Consumer Reports gives it only an average reliability report - double forget that one.

    The MPV seemed pretty nice, liked it better than the Sienna, and it is cheaper. BUT, it's a lousy, stinking Ford. Say it ain't so. But I will know if it is a Ford through and through, if as I have read here, there is no 4 door lock control on the passenger's side. (I have to check it out). You see, that is Ford. To those guys saving two bucks is heaven. I've spent $5,000 repairing my Windstar because Ford went cheap and put in a few cheap parts that brought down both the engine and transmission.

    Sure could use someone's help.

    Thanks.
  • budmelonbudmelon Member Posts: 27
    You are right that the engine is a Ford. However, it isn't the same as the Windstar engine. The engine in the MPV is a Duratec engine which has proven to be very reliable. We had our MPV for about 3 months now and we haven't experienced any problems at all. We have the 2.5L which is also a Duratec just smaller. There are a lot of the regulars here on Edmunds who owned their MPV for a couple of years and they had never taken the MPV to the dealer for any major service except regular maintaince.

    Good luck on your decision.
  • mazda_guymazda_guy Member Posts: 183
    moorea, it is Ford 3.0 Duratec engine that is shipped to Japan. While I am not exited about US automobile products I have to tell you I had two Fords and engine while not perfect was the least problems. I wouldn't worry about the engine. I think Ody, Sienna, and MPV are fine minivans. I picked MPV because I don't like Toyotas ( I've had them and I don't want them anymore), Ody was big, expensive, and didn't have sunroof. Besides MPV handles as passenger car, looks great and I love it. Also 200 HP makes you zooom, zoooom in it.

    There is no power switch for doors on the passenger side but... so what? You have remote anyway.

    If I had to choose again I would pick MPV 02 ES.

    MB
  • bsvollerbsvoller Member Posts: 528
    Others here can speak from experience, but I'll throw my .02 in because I'm also shopping vans and have been poking around quite a while now...

    The only major component from Ford is the Duratec, which is heavily modified by Mazda for the MPV. Significantly, the new transmission is a JATCO 5-speed. The earlier 4-speed was a Mazda product I believe.

    Although the 3.8 in the Windstar is a known problem (head gaskets come to mind...), the Duratec is one of Ford's best FWIW. It's been used worldwide in many models for many years now, and has an excellent reputation for reliability.

    Consumer Reports ranks the MPV quite highly in reliability since the new design came out in 2000, and it's used the Duratec from the get-go.

    Although I'm sorry to hear of your troubles and sympathize, I think you're probably as safe as you reasonably can be getting the MPV. Afterall, no matter how well any car is made overall, any one car can still develop problems. Sometimes it's just dumb luck...

    Hope your luck changes with your next purchase, whichever way you go...
  • javadocjavadoc Member Posts: 1,167
    We're worried about doorlocks here? Well, I'm glad that's the most severe complaint. FWIW, there are other non-Ford products out there with this same setup, so please don't say it's Ford (this from a serious Ford-disliker). Who knows why they designed the door lock switches that way. Safety in case you must put a child in that front right seat? Saving a buck or two (reminds me of Carrot Top: "1-800-CALL-ATT!")? That's the way it is on the van, love it or hate it I guess. My Volvo (pre-Ford btw) has the same exact setup. My Mil's JettaIII has the same thing. I agree w/ Mazda_guy.. you've got keyless entry, and the windows in the sliding doors roll down.

    /j
  • bsvollerbsvoller Member Posts: 528
    Yowzaa. Ummm, I can see that folks might misinterpret that last post. Not the best choice of titles !

    I was trying to say that the MPV is *not* a Ford, which hopefully is clear in the text of my post !

    -brian
  • once_for_allonce_for_all Member Posts: 1,640
    I am confident enough with the Ford 3.0 duratec that I ordered an '02 MPV LX. It has the reputation of being a solid power plant with a proven history. Hopefully 5 years from now I can testify to that :-)

    One negative observation for the Duratec is that it is both thirsty, and related, relatively "dirty" running. These problems have plagued US built engines forever it seems like.

    Compared to the Ody engine, for example, the Duratec is less efficient (even with 500 lbs less weight to haul around) and has a relatively high pollution index (I think it was .7 for the California models) compared to other minivans. However, the 3.0 liter pollution index is lower than the old 2.5.

    The 3.0 liter has been slightly modified for the Mazda, it has peak torque at 3000 rpm, more usable for routine driving than the 3.0 Duratec in other Fords.

    You can scan the lists, you will find more info on the 3.0 liter Duratec.

    -John
  • prlamzprlamz Member Posts: 78
    There is no question the Duratec is a Ford engine. When you buy the MPV the window sticker explains that some of it is US made; the engine is it. Mine came with a Motorcraft oil filter to prove it. It is a bit thirsty, a fact I bemoan, but supposedly, it'll get better. May be it's the Mazda work with it, but mine as the ULEV label, so it's not dirty at all. I'd trade in a instant with a Peugeot 806 hi-tech diesel, and enjoy 41 mpg and a manual tranny, but this is not an option at the moment. Since we bought the MPV, we've been happy that the Odyssey was so hard to get; we saved money and got a van better suited to our needs. This from someone who fits 5 safety seats in the back. None of "we have one kid, we needed more space" here.
  • dulnevdulnev Member Posts: 652
    Mazda is as much a Ford as Volvo is.
  • maltbmaltb Member Posts: 3,572
    Not really.

    Volvo Cars is 100% Ford owned, while Mazda is 33.4% Ford owned. However and to your point, Ford has controlling interest in either company.
  • javadocjavadoc Member Posts: 1,167
    Malt's correct, there's a big difference in the two from an ownership standpoint. Why do people think that Ford owning Mazda (Volvo and Jag, also) is a bad thing? FWIW, I think that there are alot of positive points to having such a large company in your ring. Imo, the've certainly improved upon Jaguar. I believe they bought Volvo to have their reputation of safety in their stables. Yes, there's some longtime Ford suppliers that you hope don't have their wares in your Mazda, but the Duratec powerplants are not on that list.

    Besides, being afiliated with the company that sells the most popular vehicle sold in the U.S. can't be all bad.

    /j
  • matluomamatluoma Member Posts: 18
    FWIW, I really don't have a problem with the fact that the 3.0 is from Ford. Better chance to find a maintenance/upgrade parts.. let's just hope that we only have to work with the normal maint parts. (PCV Valves, belts, air filters)

    Now I'm just wishing that those Volvo seats would make into some of the other brands,..... man those those would feel nice in the MPV.

    Mat
  • javadocjavadoc Member Posts: 1,167
    Now you're talking!
  • matluomamatluoma Member Posts: 18
    Those seats should be standard issue on all Ford's brands. (Volvo,Ford,Linc,Merc,Mazda,Jag) - imagine market share increases - just based on the seats. Since a typical a 'leather' option package costs roughly the same no matter the brand/model give or take $350

    The wife and I went seat hopping @ last year's autoshow - about mid-way through we hit the Volvo display. Those seats were amazing.... couldn't belive how nice it felt. (this was after we had jumped into some of the classic competition from Germany & Japan @ about the same price - no comparison.)
  • beachnutbeachnut Member Posts: 291
    I know that Saab really prides itself on it's comfortable, safe seats ... they'd be a good, albeit unlikely, choice too. I could sit in those seats all day :) and they're actually designed just for that. The seats in my Accord last about two hours before my back starts hurting. The MPV's seats are better ... I prefer driving it on longer trips ... but there's definitely room for improvement. I have cloth in the LX and I've never sat in an ES or leather seat. Maybe they're better?
  • bharrellbharrell Member Posts: 21
    OK guys, we are planning on taking the plunge and upgrading to the new 2002 MPV from our 2000. We have driven an ES and loved the way it handled with the 17" wheels, but can't quite get the deal we want. We can get the LX w/ luxury pkg, cassette, roof rack, rear air, for around 24,000 out the door with the dealership paying off our 2000. I am curious to know if there is a noticeable difference in the handling between 16 and 17" wheels? WE have the 15" wheels currently, and I could tell a huge difference between them and the 17" ones. I plan to go drive one with the 16" wheels on Monday, but wondered if anyone had any advice on what to look for or opinions on the subject? Thanks a lot!
  • dulnevdulnev Member Posts: 652
    The manual shows that I'm supposed to have a storage compartment right next to 3rd row cupholders on the driver's side. I don't! Can anyone else with a 2002 ES confirm or deny the presence of the storage bin?
  • alexv1nalexv1n Member Posts: 248
    I assume your ES comes with power doors. If that's true, then the compartment is taken by the door motors. In LX there should be one on the left side at least (I'm not sure if LX without rear A/C would actually have two storage compartments).
  • ok2ok2 Member Posts: 3
    We now have over 36,000 on our 2000 MPV and gas mileage is still terrible. Got under 15 mpg on recent tank of mixed city/highway driving. Would not recommend anyone buying an MPV that wants reasonable gas mileage
  • billmckinleybillmckinley Member Posts: 167
    Real bummer [boy, am I dating myself] about your mileage. You're right to be disappointed about it, all the more so because it ISN'T typical of the van. If all of us were getting mileage like that, there'd be a lot fewer happy campers out here. But most of us aren't. I've had mine for about 14 months--10,500 miles-- and I've averaged a consistent 17.3 on residential suburban roads. This is not great mileage, but it's better than I got on my 94 Voyager, so I'm relatively happy with it. And I think I'm failry typical.

    FWIW

    RJ
This discussion has been closed.

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles